Mexico did not press the first half, ergo the highly competitive appearance. I believe it was a conscious strategy, play conservative for a half, gas some of the old guys, then up the pressure in midfield. They KNEW where the weakness was (MB90) and KNEW he would be jogging around in the 2nd half. They pressured, McKennie couldn't cover for him, and Mexico had their way in midfield. The only logical adjustment (and most of us around here were screaming for it) was to sub out MB90. Zardes, wut? Lovitz, borderline silly with the game on the line. Leaving MB90 in, a gift to Mexico (or any other team with capable midfielders). Plz let this be the final USMNT game with MB90. Plz.
I first came away from this game thinking we had played a descent half and had some optimism. However, I think you’re exactly right here....they toyed with us in the first half. Sure, their plan was risky and they could have given up a couple goals to us, but as evidence from the second half, this México team could have gone full throttle on us from the outset and dominated us. And then remember this is a Mexico “B” side.... so the reality is, once again this Mexico game provided some false hope to fans. A Mexico “A” team that played hard from the opening whistle would have absolutely destroyed this team. All evidence so far suggests it will be a very long road to qualifying for another World Cup.
It doesn't make sense as an American event, since even the football venues would be outfitted for replays and probably better than soccer. But both Jamaica and Costa Rica hosted group round doubleheaders. That being said, you'd think a regional tournament could provide it themselves or make it a bid/site requirement that you have the capability. But then things are getting very weird with this "qualifying by rank" crap.